The state-of-the-art, deadly Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system was tested at the Chandan firing range in Pokhran on Sunday. Officials of DRDO and Army, are conducting the trials and the tests would continue for the next two days.

Pinaka, is an advance weapon system designed to destroy areas of enemy troop concentration, communication centres, air terminal complexes, gun/rocket locations etc. It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system has very high operational mobility, flexibility and accuracy. These features give the weapon system an edge in modern day artillery warfare.

The rocket system has a strike range of 40 km and it can fire a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds. Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralizing enemy positions on the mountain tops. It has since been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers.

The ongoing trials of the Pinaka at Pokhran field firing range in western Rajasthan by the Indian Army and scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation was for advanced stage of development of the weapon system. The trials will continue for the next two days and an improved and a deadlier version of the rocket weapon system is expected to enter service this year.

Pinaka has a very quick reaction time and high rate of fire that gives it an edge to the Indian Army during low-intensity war. The system's capability to mount the rockets with several types of warheads makes it deadly for the enemy.